Commercial Photography: Taking Product Photos That Sell

Learn the business and techniques of product photography, guided by industry expert Chris Grey. Discover invaluable tips for successfully finding clients and collaborating with art directors, and create a dynamic portfolio with Chris’ step-by-step guidance through product shot setups. Master a range of strategic lighting designs, and showcase and accentuate the texture, form and detail of flagship products. Use subtle adjustments in modifiers and product position to take a shot from basic to blockbuster, and learn how to shoot reflective products for images that stand out from the pack. Plus, find out how to use post-processing techniques to improve your shots and create the polished, professional look clients want.

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Building a Business

Gain insider tips on how to get clients and create a head-turning portfolio that can pave the road to commercial photography assignments.

14:58

Lesson 2. Lighting Primer

Dive into an exploration of light, shadow and ways to use modifiers to achieve the look you want. Learn how to use a light meter and set up your studio efficiently and easily.

27:01

Lesson 3. Basic & Dramatic Setups

Discover dynamic options for setting up and framing your subject and learn how distance, lighting and camera settings can create dramatically different looks.

13:25

Lesson 4. Working With Reflections

Learn to light reflective objects beautifully, "float" your product, create specific highlights and glows, and approach clients with a chic finished photo that will get you noticed.

18:27

Lesson 5. Depth of Field & Texture

Learn to shoot a multifaceted product with various lights, textures and reflections while creating a sense of depth, connectedness and drama.

11:01

Lesson 6. Make Anything Special

Learn to bring typical household items to life. Work with different angles, movement, and lighting as you capture texture, depth and motion in your shoot.

29:10

Lesson 7. Post-Processing

Now that you've captured the photos you want, it's time to add the final touches in your digital darkroom. Use Adobe Photoshop to accentuate contours, brand names, highlights and much more.

"I've always enjoyed Chris's really great books on photography and was happy to see him here on Craftsy.com. His course is well done and even professionals with years of experience in other parts of photography can learn valuable lessons from Chris. He is a lighting expert!" - Kirk TuckAustin, Texas

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Lesson plan

8:14

Lesson 1. Building a Business

Gain insider tips on how to get clients and create a head-turning portfolio that can pave the road to commercial photography assignments.

14:58

Lesson 2. Lighting Primer

Dive into an exploration of light, shadow and ways to use modifiers to achieve the look you want. Learn how to use a light meter and set up your studio efficiently and easily.

27:01

Lesson 3. Basic & Dramatic Setups

Discover dynamic options for setting up and framing your subject and learn how distance, lighting and camera settings can create dramatically different looks.

13:25

Lesson 4. Working With Reflections

Learn to light reflective objects beautifully, "float" your product, create specific highlights and glows, and approach clients with a chic finished photo that will get you noticed.

18:27

Lesson 5. Depth of Field & Texture

Learn to shoot a multifaceted product with various lights, textures and reflections while creating a sense of depth, connectedness and drama.

11:01

Lesson 6. Make Anything Special

Learn to bring typical household items to life. Work with different angles, movement, and lighting as you capture texture, depth and motion in your shoot.

29:10

Lesson 7. Post-Processing

Now that you've captured the photos you want, it's time to add the final touches in your digital darkroom. Use Adobe Photoshop to accentuate contours, brand names, highlights and much more.

Chris Grey has been a product photographer for more than four decades and has worked with clients from The Home Depot to Target. He’s authored 14 books on photography, including the bestseller Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers. Chris is a three-time winner of the Nikon Certificate of Excellence, and has received Photo Design magazine’s Gold Award for stock photography. He’s hosted workshops everywhere from London to Hawaii, and is thrilled to bring his expertise to the Craftsy community.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(4 reviews)

Excellent - the only class you are ever likely to need to understand how studio lighting should work to achieve those perfect shots. It doesn't hurt that Chris is a gifted teacher as well!!

by JayP on October 17, 2014

What a great way to learn about still life and product photography.

by Kirk Tuck on June 8, 2014

I've always enjoyed Chris's really great books on photography and was happy to see him here on Craftsy.com. His course is well done and even professionals with years of experience in other parts of photography can learn valuable lessons from Chris. He is a lighting expert!

I've always enjoyed Chris's really great books on photography and was happy to see him here on Craftsy.com. His course is well done and even professionals with years of experience in other parts of photography can learn valuable lessons from Chris. He is a lighting expert!

Too Complicated To Follow

by Bthatsmetoo on January 5, 2015

I purchased this class to help with my product photography, I didn't realise it was for professional photographers, surely only a professional would have so much equipment. Very disappointed.

I purchased this class to help with my product photography, I didn't realise it was for professional photographers, surely only a professional would have so much equipment. Very disappointed.

Class Was Ok.

by morningsuncreations on December 4, 2014

Not one of my favorites. Just ok considering the price of class. I noticed the instructor is not very good about commenting on photo examples students post. I would think that is very frustrating for the student taking the time to post photos for feedback. Personally, I think an instructor should comment on every students post. A lot of the learning comes after the material is watched. Chris, where are you for those students?

Not one of my favorites. Just ok considering the price of class. I noticed the instructor is not very good about commenting on photo examples students post. I would think that is very frustrating for the student taking the time to post photos for feedback. Personally, I think an instructor should comment on every students post. A lot of the learning comes after the material is watched. Chris, where are you for those students?

Equipment

What materials are used in this class?

DSLR camera

Camera lenses

Lighting equipment and accessories

Light meter

A tripod

Photo editing software

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

This class was designed to walk you step-by-step through the process of photographing several different types of products that present various challenges and creative decisions. In addition to photographing sample products, you'll also gain professional tips on working with clients, studio setups, lights and modifiers, lens and exposure choices, and post-processing tips.